Microsoft unveil a new-look Xbox 360 for immediate launch, and titles for their motion-sensitive Kinect out in November...

We've yet to confirm whether the Red Ring of Death has been re-designed also.

Microsoft have just finished their annual press event at E3, in which various strangely-dressed execs took to the stage to demo new software - and hardware - for the Xbox 360.

The new Kinect device (previously code-named Natal) took up the vast majority of the conference's time, and was shown to accurately reproduce movements on screen via camera. The add-on can be used for video chatting and also recognises your voice, allowing for system navigation by voice control. There was a long section on how this could be implemented on the ESPN channel, but we fell asleep as American commentators took the stage and waffled about American Football for too long. And also made a joke about Robert Green. Sob.

Software for Kinect included a Wii Sports clone from Rare named "Kinect Sports", a rather Mario Kart-esque title named "Kinect Joy Ride", and a Wii Fit style game from Ubisoft, "Your Shape: Fitness Evolved". Also demoed was the new Forza III, controllable as if you were holding a steering wheel in your hands.

A modicum of originality was maintained by non-Kinect titles, as Call of Duty: Black Ops, Metal Gear: Rising, Fable III and Halo Reach all looked impressive, despite being a bit of a sequel-fest. Metal Gear will allow for the precision slicing of enemies with your katana. You can even take time out to slice up watermelon.

The conference closed with a look at the new, slimmer version of the Xbox 360, for which Microsoft passed "How to Win Over an Audience of Games Journalists 101" by giving to all present in the room. The updated console comes with built-in Wi-Fi and will launch this week in North America for the same price as the existing unit (read: next month in Europe, price TBC). Kinect will launch November 7th in North America.

Were you impressed by Microsoft's offerings? Let us know your thoughts below...